The Southern Spears will not play in the Currie Cup this year, with Griquas earning ‘promotion’ to the Premier Division.

This was the decision made by Saru’s President’s Council in Cape Town on Friday. While no formal announcement was made, Saru has decided not to finance the franchise that was supposed to have played in the Super 14 next year.

By removing the Spears, Saru has also prevented a lengthy legal battle – Griquas threatened to sue them after failing to qualify for the Currie Cup through the Vodacom Cup. The Kimberley-based side argued that they had been weakened by the loss of key players (like Ronnie Cooke and Tiaan Liebenburg) to the Cheetahs Super 14 squad.

The Spears are now facing almost certain extinction, following the suspension last week of CEO Tony McKeever.